Mormon-Associated Marriott Hotels Applaud DOMA Decision

6.27.2013

By Neal Broverman

The Marriott hotel chain heralds the Supreme Court striking down the Defense of Marriage Act.

The Marriott hotel chain, started and currently run by Mormons, does not want to be associated with those who remain opposed to LGBT rights.

"When you aim to be the global leader in hospitality, you must earn that title every day," wrote Marriott International CEO Arne Sorenson in a press release. "So, at Marriott International, we try to see the world through the eyes of our associates and guests. In addition to building a workplace committed to removing barriers and promoting inclusion, Marriott wants everyone to feel welcome, including the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) will make this easier."

Sorenson also describes speaking at a Human Rights Campaign breakfast and says his company is doing its best to help its employees obtain green cards for partners and protect them from discrimination (since there is no federal law prohibiting LGBT discrimination). "Earlier this year, Marriott joined with 277 other leading corporations and business coalitions to sign an amicus brief to the Supreme Court showing the costs of DOMA to our business and urging the court to overturn it," Sorenson says.

Marriott, which operates numerous hotels including Ritz-Carltons and Courtyard properties, was started by Mormon missionaries and still ascribes to many Mormon traditions like keeping their bibles in rooms. Sorenson's release did not mention the Supreme Court's ruling that struck down Prop. 8, but the company did not donate to the 2008 California Proposition 8 initiative that temporarily banned marriage equality.